Download - Discover Hong Kong

Walks 

Eight Cultural and 

Historical Journeys

Asia’s world city 

Hong Kong, Asia’s world city, offers 

visitors the opportunity to experience a 

vibrant living culture featuring a unique 

fusion where ‘east-meets-west’. Instilled 

with an exciting duality of a modern 

city’s vitality enhanced by a traditional 

society’s historical richness and colour, 

this incredible destination is sure to amaze any visitor. 

Both dynamic and cosmopolitan, this bustling modern city features 

world-class infrastructure with unrivalled levels of quality tourism service. 

The city has everything from fantastic shopping and a delightful diversity 

of dining tastes to a wonderful world of colourful festivals and signature 

attractions. Compact and easy to navigate, it is also blessed with 

abundant natural beauty, where visitors can discover stunning mountain 

views, idyllic islands and serene beaches. 

This comprehensive guide features eight 

fascinating themed walks allowing you to 

experience the busy downtown streets and 

the flamboyant colours, sounds and aromas 

of local markets. You can also find serenity 

in a centuries-old temple, get immersed in 

a bygone era and then step out into this 

dynamic and dazzling 21 st century city to 

savour the rich contrast of the ancient and the modern. 

Captivating and charismatic, as well as fun and entertaining, Hong 

Kong offers a multitude of fantastic experiences all within one trip. Every 

moment, you are guaranteed a world of different experiences that is sure 

to enliven your senses. 

1

Get Footloose in 

HONG KONG'S Bustling City, 

Rich Past and Serene Islands. 

Hong Kong 

Central & Western District – 

Travel Through Time 

Garden Road Leisure Walk – 

A Century of Architecture 

Shau Kei Wan – 

Evolvement of a Fishing Village 

4 

12 

20 

Eight 

Themed 

Walks 

Kowloon 

Tsim Sha Tsui – 

Cornucopia of Delights 

Yau Ma Tei & Mong Kok – 

Markets for Leisure and Pleasure 

26 

3644 

Wong Tai Sin & Kowloon City – 

A Popular Temple & A City Transformed 

DISCOVER HONG KONG AR walks app series 

Enjoy urban distractions, rustic retreats, 

cultural discoveries, historical insights and more in 

three apps designed with self-guided tours, offline maps, 

augmented reality (AR) and other features to help 

independent travellers journey deep into the heart of Asia’s world city. 

Download them for 

Discover Hong Kong • 

City Walks 

Experience a vibrant 

living culture and 

East-meets-West 

diversity on four 

self-guided walks into 

the nooks and crannies 

of Hong Kong. 

NEW 

FREE 


Island Walks 

Explore Hong Kong’s 

scenic and culturally-rich 

Outlying Islands and 

enjoy personalisation 

features to create your 

own walks and share 

your experiences. 

now! 


Heritage Walks 

Powerful clans, walled 

villages, a fishing 

community and a 

lawless enclave – 

four self-guided walks 

through Hong Kong’s 

colourful history. 

New Territories 

Yuen Long – 

First Heritage Trail in Hong Kong 

Fanling – 

Walled Village 

62 

Acknowledgements 

- Dr Patrick Hase 

- Dr Joseph Ting 

- Antiquities and Monuments Office 

- Chinese Temples Committee 

- Leisure and Cultural Services Department 

- Sik Sik Yuen Wong 

- Tai Sin Temple 

50 

Download the following two apps to get the content of this book on 

your phone, (available for Android and iPhone). 

The above apps developed by the Hong Kong Tourism Board are designed for offline use. 

Please remember TO TURN OFF DATA ROAMING to avoid unnecessary charges. 

DiscoverHongKong.com 

3

Western Market 

Central & 

Western District 

中西區 

MTR Sheung Wan Station Exit B, turn right, walk about three minutes. 

1. Western Market & Sheung Wan Fong 

西港城及上環坊 

The Western Market, an Edwardian-style building originally housing the 

waterfront Harbour Office when built in 1906, later became a food 

market before closing in 1988. Two years later, it was declared a 

historical monument, renovated and then re-opened in 1991 with themed 

shops. Next to it is a compass-like piazza named Sheung Wan Fong – a 

convenient spot from which to set off on your voyage of discovery of the 

surrounding Sheung Wan area packed with its traditional trades and 

unique assortment of shops. The Western Market is open daily 10am to 

midnight. Enquiries +852 6029 2675. 

Walk along Morrison Street, turn right into Wing Lok Street. 

TRAVEL THROUGH TIME 

CENTRAL & WESTERN 

DISTRICT 

2. Ginseng and Bird’s Nest Street* / Dried Seafood Street* / 

Herbal Medicine Street* 

【參茸燕窩街】* / 【海味街】* / 【藥材街】* 

Catch intriguing glimpses of daily life in Hong Kong with a stroll 

through time in the Central & Western District. Starting in the Western 

area, you’ll discover a world of wonder where the hustle and bustle 

of this modern city mingle with the colourful age-old traditions of 

yesterday. Here, among the dried seafood and Chinese herb shops, 

you’ll see traditions of the past that remain vibrant today. As you 

continue along the walk, you’ll experience time through the ages 

ending in Central, the financial heart of Hong Kong, full of energy 

and dynamism. Its modern towers of steel and glass symbolise Hong 

Kong’s success. 

Note: Sections of this tour involve walks up steep hills which could be strenuous for some 

people. 

Wing Lok Street and Bonham Strand West are lined with specialty shops 

selling ginseng and bird’s nest. Previously known as Nam Pak Hong 

after the Nam Pak Hong Chamber of Commerce (North-South Chamber 

of Commerce) located there. 

At the end of Wing Lok Street, turn left into Des Voeux Road West. 

Discover the surprising varieties of exotic dried seafood available on 

this street. You’ll find rare and expensive items gathered from around 

the world. 

Walk along Des Voeux Road West, turn left into Ko Shing Street. This 

is the wholesale centre of Hong Kong’s thriving herbal medicine trade. 

It is renowned for its wide selection of herbal medicine and shops with 

experienced staff. 

4 Upper: The past lives on in Central & Western District. 

Central & Western District 

*Most shops are closed on Sundays & public holidays. 

5

Did you know… 

Possession Street, also known as Shui Hang Hau, is where the British 

first landed when they arrived in Hong Kong in 1841 and called the 

spot Possession Cape. As the population grew in this area, a road 

was built and was named Possession Street. 


If you want to know what the future holds, you can shake fortune 

sticks out of a bamboo cylinder available in the temple. Read an 

English translation of the old sayings inscribed on the sticks in the 

book ‘Man Mo Temple’, on sale in the temple. 

Walk back to Des Voeux Road West, turn right into Bonham Strand 

West. Then continue along Bonham Strand West, turn right into 

Possession Street, walk up the sloping street and turn left into 

Hollywood Road. Turn left at Lok Ku Road, then right onto Upper 

Lascar Row. 

Continue walking east along Hollywood Road to the Central – Mid- 

Levels Escalator, take the escalator up to Staunton Street and the SoHo 

area. 

3. Hollywood Road (Antiques Street) / 

Upper Lascar Row (Cat Street) 

荷李活道 / 摩羅上街【古董街】 

Hollywood Road which links Sheung 

Wan to Central – and the nearby Upper 

Lascar Row often referred to as “Cat 

Street” – are famous for their curio and 

antiques shops. They can help you 

arrange getting large items back home. 

Walk back uphill to Hollywood Road, turn left and walk to Man Mo 

Temple. 

4. Man Mo Temple 

文武廟 

Accent your living room with a Chinese antique. 

Reach new heights on the Central – Mid-Levels Escalator. 


At 800-metres long, Central – Mid-Levels Escalator is the world’s 

longest covered escalator. It links Des Voeux Road Central near 

the harbour to Conduit Road in the Mid-Levels. The escalator is a 

convenient way to see the bustling city hillside which contains great 

restaurants and shops. Travelling the entire length takes about 20 

minutes. The escalator runs one-way downhill from 6am to 10am, 

and then uphill from 10am to midnight. The escalator is a transit link 

for residents of the Mid-Levels. It is best to use it after 9am when the 

morning rush hour is over. Please be careful when the escalator is 

wet. 

One of the first traditional-style temples built 

during the colonial era, Man Mo Temple 

pays homage to the Taoist gods of literature 

(‘Man’) and war (‘Mo’). There is also a statue of 

Coils of incense within the temple create 

a distinctive sensory experience. 

Pau Kung, the god of justice, and another of Shing Wong, the god of the 

city. The plaques near the entrance give an interesting perspective on the 

history of the temple and its gods. The temple’s historical relics include a 

bronze bell dated 1847 and imperial sedan chairs made in 1862. It was 

declared a monument in 2010. Open daily 8am to 6pm. Enquiries +852 

2540 0350. (Free admission) 

5. SoHo 

荷南美食區 

This lively dining district takes its name 

from its location, South of Hollywood 

Road. SoHo consists of Shelley Street, 

Elgin Street, Peel Street, Staunton 

Street, and Old Bailey Street. Within 

this area you will find coffee shops, Relax with a drink in SoHo. 

funky bars and also a variety of chic restaurants offering a huge range 

of international cuisine, including Nepalese, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, 

Mexican, Chinese and East-West fusion. 

6 

Central & Western District 

7

Walk down the steps beside the escalator and turn right onto 

Hollywood Road, which will merge into Wyndham Street. Follow 

the signs into Lan Kwai Fong. 

6. Lan Kwai Fong 

蘭桂坊 

Walk along Duddell Street, cross Queen’s Road Central and walk into 

Ice House Street, turn right at Des Voeux Road Central and walk to the 

Old Supreme Court Building. 

8. Old Supreme Court Building 

舊最高法院大樓 

When the lights go 

down, the ‘in crowd’ 

heads for Lan Kwai 

Fong, a buzzing 

centre of clubs, bars 

and restaurants. A 

must for night owls 

and people-watchers. 

The Old Supreme Court 

Building was opened 15 

January 1912. However, 

this two-storey neo-classical 

granite structure was 

renamed the Legislative 

Council Building in 1985 and served as such until 15 July 2011. The building 

will be converted into the new offices of the Court of Final Appeal, while 

the Legislative Council has been moved to the new Central Government 

Complex at Tamar in Admiralty. (Not open to the public). 

Walk along Jackson Road to Chater Road and then turn to Man Yiu 

Street. Walk to the Central pier 8 along Man Yiu Street for around 

10-15 minutes to the Museum. 

Walk up D’Aguilar Street, cross Wyndham Street and turn left into 

Lower Albert Road past the Fringe Club, and follow the directional signs 

to Duddell Street. 

9. Hong Kong Maritime Museum 

香港海事博物館 

7. Duddell Street Steps & Gas Lamps 

都爹利街石階及煤氣路燈 

These fine wide stone steps 

connect Ice House Street with 

Duddell Street and Queen’s 

Road Central beyond. The 

lamps at the head and foot of 

the steps, built between 1875 

and 1889, are the only four gas lamps 

remaining in Hong Kong and are turned on 

daily at 6pm. 

The Hong Kong 

Maritime Museum, 

located at Central 

Ferry Pier 8, tells 

the rich story of the 

connection between 

the people of Hong Kong and the sea through exhibits, interactive displays, 

presentations and tours. With more than 2,000 years of seafaring history, 

there is something for everyone. 

The Museum opens from 9:30am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday and 10am 

to 7pm on weekends and public holidays. Enquiries +852 3713 2500. 

8 Central & Western District 

9

Central & 

Western 

District 

Walking Map

Garden Road 

Leisure Walk 

花園道漫遊 

MTR Admiralty Station Exit 

C1 and follow signs to ‘Hong 

Kong Park / Island Shangri-La 

Hotel’. The park is opposite to 

the upper mall entrance. 

1. Flagstaff House (Museum of Tea Ware) 

舊三軍司令官邸 ( 茶具文物館 ) 

A CENTURY OF ARCHITECTURE 

GARDEN ROAD LEISURE WALK 

The Central district is at the heart of Hong Kong’s development from 

the 19 th century to modern day and is where the headquarters of 

the government and the city’s financial centre are located. Garden 

Road abounds in culturally significant buildings steeped in Hong 

Kong’s rich heritage, also located here are many modern buildings 

designed by some of the world’s top architects. 

Follow this walk and you’ll experience Hong Kong’s colonial past 

coming to life, with architecture dating back more than 150 years. 

You will see the centre of the current administration, including the 

residence of the Chief Executive plus iconic buildings that house 

some of Hong Kong’s leading commercial and financial giants. 

You can travel along Hong Kong’s historic timeline of more than a 

hundred years, and enjoy the rich culture on offer, at your own pace. 

Flagstaff House in Hong Kong Park, Central, is the oldest existing 

Western building in Hong Kong. Built in 1846, it was formerly known as 

Headquarters House. The building was renamed Flagstaff House around 

1932, and remained the office and residence of the Commander of the 

British Forces until 1978. In 1984, it was converted into the Museum 

of Tea Ware, displaying tea ware and related materials from a variety 

of periods. Open 10am to 6pm and closed on Tuesdays except public 

holidays. Enquiries +852 2869 0690. (Free admission) 

Follow the directional signs inside the park to Rawlinson House (Park 

Management Office and Cotton Tree Drive Marriage Registry). 

2. Rawlinson House (Park Management Office and Cotton 

Tree Drive Marriage Registry) 

羅連信樓 ( 香港公園辦事處及紅棉路婚姻登記處 ) 

Rawlinson House was built 

in the early 20 th century as 

the residence of the Deputy 

Commander of the British Forces 

in the old Victoria Barracks. It 

was preserved and listed as a 

Grade 1 Historic Building and is 

now used as the Cotton Tree Drive 

Marriage Registry and the Park 

Management Office. 

12 Upper: Modern architecture contracts with beautiful garden scenes in Central. 

Garden Road Leisure Walk 

13

Walk up along Cotton Tree Drive. Turn 

right to the Lower Peak Tram Terminus 

when you pass the Hong Kong Squash 

Centre. 

3. Peak Tram 山頂纜車 

Cross Garden Road via the footbridge to get to the Hong Kong 

Zoological & Botanical Gardens. 

6. Hong Kong Zoological & Botanical Gardens 香港動植物公園 

The Peak Tram has been in operation since 1888 taking people up 

an incline so steep that buildings appear like they are leaning at a 

45-degree angle! Find out more at the Peak Tram Historical Gallery 

located at Lower Peak Tram Terminus. Open daily 7am to midnight. 

Enquiries +852 2522 0922. 

Walk along Garden Road to the Helena May Building. 

4. The Helena May Building 

梅夫人婦女會大樓 

The Helena May Building was built in 1914, officially 

opened in 1916, and was used as a hostel for 

women. During the Second World War, the building 

was occupied by Japanese troops. It was reopened 

in 1947. Enquiries +852 2522 6766. (The building 

is only open to the public on special occasions. Guided tours in English 

and Cantonese are available on certain Saturday mornings. Advance 

registration is required. Call or email reception@helenamay.com.) 

Located opposite to the Government House, construction of these beautiful 

gardens started in 1860 and 

was fully completed in 1871. 

They are open every day 

and are a popular place to 

join locals as they perform 

their early morning tai chi 

exercises. There are more 

than 1,000 plant species 

in the garden and a zoo with various species of birds, mammals and 

reptiles. The Green House/Education and Exhibition Centre open daily 

from 9am to 4:30pm. Enquiries +852 2530 0154. (Free admission) 

Cross Upper Albert Road to Government House. 

7. Government House 

香港禮賓府 


St Joseph’s College was founded in 1875, and is a government 

subsidised Catholic boys’ school. It had been relocated several times, 

and moved to its present location in 1918. 

St Joseph’s Church is located next to the Helena May Building. 

5. St Joseph’s Church 聖約瑟堂 

St Joseph’s Church, built 

in 1871, has survived the 

onslaughts of the Second World 

War plus numerous typhoons. 

The church was demolished and rebuilt in the 

mid 20 th century. Open daily 7am to 7pm. Enquiries +852 2522 3992. 

(Free admission) 

Government House was formerly the 

office and residence of Governors 

of Hong Kong. Construction works 

started in 1851 and took four years 

to complete. It was originally built in the Georgian style. During the 

Japanese occupation, a dominant central tower was constructed to 

link the two original buildings; the roofs were also modified to add in 

more Japanese flavour, thus diminishing the strong European style of the 

mansion. Government House is now the residence and office of the Chief 

Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. (Not open to 

the public except on special occasions. Please contact the Government 

House enquiries number at +852 2530 2003) 

14 

Garden Road Leisure Walk 15

16 

Garden Road Leisure Walk 17

Garden Road 

Walking 

Map

Shau Kei Wan 

筲箕灣 

MTR Shau Kei Wan Station Exit C, 

walk along Mong Lung Street and 

turn left into Kam Wa Street to tram 

terminus. Shing Wong Temple is 

adjacent to it. Or take tram to the 

Shau Kei Wan Terminus and Shing 

Wong Temple is right nearby. 

1. Shing Wong Temple 城隍廟 

The temple was originally called Fook Tak Tsz. It was 

built in 1877 and expanded in 1974. It is quite popular with local 

residents, being situated very near the Shau Kei Wan Tram Terminus. 

Open daily 8am to 5pm. Enquiries +852 3718 6888 (Head 

Office); +852 2569 2837 (Shing Wong Temple). (Free admission) 


Shau Kei Wan Tram Terminus 

Located at the junction of Shau Kei Wan Main Street East and Kam 

Wa Street, this is the eastern end of the line built in 1904 that runs to 

Kennedy Town in the west. 

Walk along Shau Kei Wan Main Street East to Miu Tung Street, The Tin 

Hau Temple is on your right. 

2. Tin Hau Tample 天后廟 

EVOLVEMENT OF A FISHING 

VILLAGE 

SHAU KEI WAN 

In olden times, Shau Kei Wan (Shau Kei means pail and Wan means 

bay) provided a haven for ships and served as a typhoon shelter 

for fishermen. Down through the years, the area became a centre 

for shipbuilding and a number of temples dedicated to popular 

fisherfolk deities such as Tin Hau and Tam Kung sprang up. You can 

still visit them today and they provide great colour at festival time. 

This small Tin Hau Temple 

dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea dates 

back to 1873. You’ll find a collection of 

well preserved murals, woodcarvings and 

Shek Wan pottery in the temple. Open daily 8am to 5pm. Enquiries 

+852 3718 6888 (Head Office); +852 2569 1264 (Tin Hau Temple). 



Shau Kei Wan Main Street East 

This street was originally the waterfront. In the 1860s, to crack down on 

pirates hiding here, the Hong Kong Government decided to clean up the 

area by building houses and stores on the two sides of the road. 

While the old houses have been replaced by modern high-rises, there 

are still a few old restaurants and stores on the street. 

20 Upper: A temple dedicated to local fishermen’s deity Tam Kung. 

Shau Kei Wan 

21

Walk along Shau Kei Wan Main Street East, turn right to A Kung Ngam 

Village Road and proceed along Tung Wong Road to reach Yuk Wong 

Temple. 

3. Yuk Wong Temple 玉皇寶殿 

This temple was originally a shrine 

built in the mid-19 th century by people 

from Mainland China who worked in 

a nearby stone quarry. In the early 

1900s, the shrine was expanded 

into a small temple. Open daily 8am 

to 5pm. Enquiries +852 3718 6888 

(Head Office); +852 2967 9605 

(Yuk Wong Temple). (Free admission) 

Walk back along the Tam Kung Temple Road, and follow the directional 

signs to Tam Kung Temple. 

5. Tam Kung Temple 

譚公仙聖廟 

One of the few deities known only to Hong Kong, Tam Kung is also 

a patron of fishermen. This temple is over 100 years old and was 

renovated in 2002, with the original design being preserved. Besides 

the statue of Tam Kung, there is a small wooden junk and a dragon boat 

inside the temple. Open daily 8am to 5pm. Enquiries +852 2569 2559. 


Follow the directional signs, cross Tung Hei Road. Turn right and you 

will see the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence in front of you. 

4. Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence 

香港海防博物館 

The Lei Yue Mun Fort built 

by the British in 1887 

to defend Hong Kong 

against invasion by sea 

is home to an intriguing 

exhibition of military 

memorabilia covering the 

600 years from the Ming 

and Qing periods. It sits 

perched on the heights 

overlooking the narrow 

strip of water at Lei Yue Mun, now famous for its seafood restaurants. 

The 34,200-square-metre Museum of Coastal Defence features a 

Reception Area, Redoubt and Historical Trail that paint a vivid picture 

of Britain’s readiness to defend Hong Kong against any aggressors. 

Open daily (March – September) 10am to 6pm; (October – February) 

10am to 5pm. Closed on Thursdays (except public holidays) and during 

the first two days of Chinese New Year. Enquiries +852 2569 1500. 

(Free on Wednesdays) 


Birthday of Tam Kung 

The birthday of Tam Kung falls on the 8 th day of the 4 th Lunar month. 

For many years, locals held an annual procession to commemorate 

the time when many people were saved from a plague with all the 

colour and pageantry of its origins. 

22 

Shau Kei Wan 23

Shau Kei Wan 

Walking 

Map

Tsim Sha Tsui 

尖沙咀 

MTR Jordan Station Exit 

D, turn left, walk along 

Nathan Road and turn left 

into Hillwood Road. 

1. Hillwood Soho 

山林道蘇豪區 

Relax in a cosy bar. 

Hillwood Soho in Tsim Sha Tsui is a hangout favoured by locals, with 

a fun collection of bars and a selection of restaurants featuring Asian 

cuisine. 

Walk down the steps at the end of Hillwood Road, turn right and walk 

along Austin Avenue and Kimberley Road, stay on the right and then 

turn right into Observatory Road. At Knutsford Terrace, turn left. 

2. Knutsford Terrace / Knutsford Steps 

諾士佛台 / 諾士佛階 

Befitting an international eating mecca, this district is packed with people 

savouring the culinary delights that Hong Kong has to offer. 

CORNUCOPIA OF DELIGHTS 

TSIM SHA TSUI 

Tsim Sha Tsui is a tourist’s dream come true, offering everything 

visitors need for a trip of a lifetime. It is home to a variety of chic 

restaurants offering a huge range of international cuisines, plenty 

of large modern shopping malls, historic buildings, fascinating 

museums and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The scenic waterfront 

promenade offers some of the best views of Victoria Harbour and the 

mesmerising Hong Kong skyline. 

Alfresco dining at Knutsford Terrace and Knutsford Steps. 

26 Upper: The bright lights along Salisbury Road 

Tsim Sha Tsui 

27

Walk along Knutsford Terrace and turn left and then right along 

Kimberley Road. Walk to the end of the street and turn right. 

3. Former Kowloon British School 

(Antiquities and Monuments Office) 

前九龍英童學校 ( 古物古蹟辦事處 ) 

This architectural gem opened 

in 1902 is the oldest surviving 

school building constructed 

for foreign residents of Hong 

Kong. The building is a unique 

Victorian structure adapted to 

local climate conditions with 

wide verandas, high ceilings 

and a pitched roof. Today 

it houses the Antiquities and 

Monuments Office. Guided tour in Cantonese is available on every 

Friday afternoon (except public holidays). Otherwise, building is not 

open to the public. Enquiries +852 2208 4407. 

St Andrew’s Church stands next to the Former Kowloon British School. 

Find international brands that appeal. 

4. St Andrew’s Church 

聖安德烈堂 

This Anglican church has had a strong evangelical tradition for the past 

100 years. Early worshippers would arrive by rickshaws, cabs and 

sedan chairs! Accounts of the time reported that, ‘It was a great occasion 

for many Christians 

in Kowloon and their 

friends in Hong Kong.’ 

Open daily 7:30am 

to 10:30pm. Enquiries 

+852 2367 1478. 


28 

Tsim Sha Tsui 29

Leave Kowloon Park by the same way you entered. Walk along 

Nathan Road towards the waterfront. Enter at MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui 

Station Exit L3, go through the pedestrian tunnel to Exit J, and follow 

the directional signs to the Avenue of Stars. 

7. Avenue of Stars 

星光大道 

At Asia’s first Avenue 

of Stars, you can see 

plaques, hand prints 

and statues honouring 

celebrities from the 

silver screen, and those 

Find your favourite Hong Kong star. 

behind the camera. 

There is also bronze statue of the legendary kung fu action star Bruce 

Lee. Find out all you need to know about the 100-year development of 

this Hollywood of Asia and enjoy the star-studded harbour views. 


You can enjoy A Symphony of Lights along the Avenue of Stars 

every night at 8pm. This spectacular multimedia show, named 

the world’s largest permanent light and sound show by Guinness 

World Records, combines lights and narration while featuring more 

than 40 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour. The facades 

of buildings are decked out in lights that, at the flick of a switch, 

glow in a myriad of colours depicting Hong Kong’s dynamic pulse. 

The Tsim Sha Tsui is home of many fascinating 

museums. 


At the Star Ferry Pier you’ll find the HKTB Visitor Centre where you 

can get the answer to any question you might have about Hong Kong. 

A Symphony of Lights brightens the Hong Kong skyline. 

30 

Tsim Sha Tsui 31

Cross Salisbury Road to Star House and 1881 Heritage is on your right. 

10. 1881 Heritage 

Located on Canton Road, Tsim 

Sha Tsui, 1881 Heritage covers 

130,000 square feet. It features a shopping mall, a heritage hotel, and 

an exhibition hall. The original site of 1881 Heritage was occupied by 

the Hong Kong Marine Police as headquarters from 1880s to 1996. 

Most of the Victorian-style buildings on the site including the Former 

Marine Police Headquarters Main Building, Former Stable Block and 

the Former Time Ball Tower epitomise the city‘s rich colonial history and 

were declared monuments by the Antiquities and Monuments Office in 

1994, as proof of their historical significance. To make a reservation for 

the free guided tours, please call +852 2926 8000. (Free admission) 


Star Ferry 

This floating icon, operating between Hong Kong 

Island and Kowloon since 1898, is a delight 

for both children and adults, offering stunning 

panoramic views of the surrounding harbour. 

Harbour City is on the other side of Canton Road. 

11. Harbour City 海港城 / Canton Road 廣東道 / 

Peking Road 北京道 (Luxury Brand Streets)【名店街】 

Harbour City is one of the largest shopping 

and entertainment centres in Hong Kong 

with more than 450 shops and restaurants 

offering local and international brands. 

Open daily 10am to 10pm. Enquiries +852 

2118 8666. 

Adjacent to Harbour City, you’ll find many leading international brands’ 

stores along Canton Road and Peking Road. Strolling along the streets, 

visitors will enjoy an unrivalled luxury shopping experience. 

32 

Tsim Sha Tsui 33

Tsim Sha Tsui 

Walking 

Map

Yau Ma Tei & Mong Kok 

油麻地及旺角 

MTR Prince Edward Station Exit C2. Walk along Prince Edward Road 

West to Lai Chi Kok Road. Proceed along Lai Chi Kok Road until you 

reach Lui Seng Chun. 

1. Lui Seng Chun 雷生春 

Once an old Chinese shophouse or tong lau, 

Lui Seng Chun is a Grade 1 historic pre-WWII 

building featuring a prewar verandah-type style 

of construction. In 2008, Hong Kong Baptist 

University with financial assistance from the 

government revitalized the building transforming it into the Hong Kong Baptist 

University School of Chinese Medicine – Lui Seng Chun. The building includes 

a herbal tea shop on the ground floor as well as a display introducing the old 

Lui Seng Chun. The remainder of the building is a dedicated to the practice of 

traditional Chinese medicine. 

MARKETS FOR LEISURE 

AND PLEASURE 

YAU MA TEI & MONG KOK 

For an experience of local Chinese lifestyles, you need to look no 

further than Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok. 

The ground floor display areas are open free of charge from 9am to 1pm and 

2pm to 8pm from Monday to Saturday, and 9am to 1pm on Sundays. Closed 

on public holidays. Free guided tours to other floors are available by registration. 

For details, please visit http://scm.hkbu.edu.hk/lsc or call +852 3411 0628. 

Walk along Lai Chi Kok Road to MTR Prince Edward Station Exit B1. 

Proceed along Prince Edward Road West to Yuen Po Street Bird 

Garden. Pass through the garden to the junction of Yuen Po Street 

and Flower Market Road. At the end of the road, get on Prince Edward 

Road West and walk along Tung Choi Street until you reach the 

Goldfish Market. 

Walking through this unique section of Hong Kong is an exciting and 

memorable experience any time of the day or night. You’ll love the 

ambience and the great deals you can get on souvenirs, clothing, 

electronic goods and much more. 

36 Upper: The bright lights above the Temple Street Night Market in Yau Ma Tei. 

Yau Ma Tei & Mong Kok 

37

2. Yuen Po Street Bird Garden / Flower Market / Goldfish Market 

園圃街雀鳥花園 / 花墟 / 通菜街 ( 北段 )【金魚街】 

The charming Chinese-style garden on Yuen 

Po Street includes some 70 songbird stalls 

as well as courtyards and moon gates. Look 

and listen, but it’s wise to avoid contact 

with the birds.The Bird Market is open daily 

7am to 8pm. The colourful Flower Market 

sells everything from Dutch tulips to exotic 

orchids. Open daily from 7am to 7pm. The 

Goldfish Market on nearby Tung Choi Street 

sells aquariums, corals and exotic fish. Open 

daily 10:30am to 10pm. 

A rainbow of colours at the Flower Market 

in Mong Kok. 


Some Interesting Street Names 

You can glimpse the past history of Mong Kok by checking street 

signs. The names are a colourful reminder of the bygone days. There 

is Yuen Po Street (Vegetable Patch Street), Sai Yeung Choi Street 

(Watercress Street) and Yuen Ngai Street. Nothing remains of the old 

Mong Kok village but these street names. 

Walk along Fa Yuen Street to Mong Kok Road, turn right and cross the 

road to reach another section of Tung Choi Street, walk to Argyle Street 

and cross the road to reach the starting point of the Ladies’ Market. 

4. Ladies’ Market 

Ladies’ Market has something for everyone with 

bargain-priced items, including men’s and 

women’s clothing, knick-knacks, watches and 

beauty products. Beside the street stalls are 

Hong Kong-style cafes that offer local favourites. 

Open daily noon to 11:30pm. 

Walk through the Ladies’ Market to its end at Dundas Street. Turn right 

and walk to the junction of Shanghai Street and Waterloo Road. 

5. Yau Ma Tei Theatre 

油麻地戲院 

Shopping in Hong Kong is exhilarating! 

Proceed along Tung Choi Street turning left into Bute Street and then 

right into Fa Yuen Street. 

3. Fa Yuen Street 

Fa Yuen Street is the place to be if you 

want to find bargain-priced trendy 

fashion and casual wear for men, 

women and children. Open daily 11am 

to 9:30pm. 

Shop till you drop in Fa Yuen Street. 


Tung Choi means ‘water spinach’ reflecting the street’s rural origins. 

Imagine, this street used to be farmland! 

Built in 1930, the Yau Ma Tei Theatre 

is the only surviving pre-war cinema 

building in the urban area of Hong 

Kong. The theatre closed down in 

1998 and was listed as a historic 

building in the same year. 

Now, the building has been reopened as a venue dedicated to Cantonese 

opera and features young up-and-coming performers. And, some of the 

shows come with English surtitles, so non-Cantonese speakers can also 

enjoy the action on stage. 

After your visit to the theatre, don’t 

miss the attractive red brick building 

on the opposite side of Shanghai 

Street, which houses the theatre’s 

administration offices. Yau Ma Tei 

Theatre is open daily 1pm to 8pm. 

Enquiries + 852 2264 8108. (Free 

admission) 

38 

Yau Ma Tei & Mong Kok 39

Walk along the Shanghai Street. 

6. Shanghai Street 

This is one of the city’s oldest streets. Look 

for shops selling Chinese-style wedding 

clothes which feature stunning embroidery. 

Once there were many of these shops, now 

just a few remain. It’s also a great place to 

pick up bargain kitchenware. 

Continue along Shanghai Street, turn right at Kansu Street to the Jade 

Market. 

7. Jade Market / Jade Street 

玉器市場 / 玉器街 

Traditional Chinese wedding clothing 

Go back to Shanghai Street, walk north to the junction of Shanghai and 

Public Square streets, turn right and walk to the Tin Hau Temple. 

8. Tin Hau Temple 

天后廟 

This temple is dedicated to 

the Goddess of Seafarers, 

Tin Hau. Its location in the 

middle of urban Yau Ma 

Tei might seem odd, but 

long ago, before massive 

reclamation, it was on the 

harbour front. The water has receded, but people continue to worship 

Tin Hau here. Open daily 9am to 5pm. Enquiries +852 2385 0759. 


Walk up Temple Street, across from the temple. 

About 400 registered stall-owners sell amulets, 

ornaments, necklaces and trinkets made 

from the revered green stone. This is a fun 

place to browse and to buy an inexpensive 

memento of your visit, but think twice about 

buying anything costly unless you are a jade 

expert. Open daily 10am to 5pm. 

A fun place to brouse and hunt for an 

inexpensive souvenir. 

Nearby is Jade Street, located on Canton Road between Kansu Street 

and Jordan Road, where shops are open 10am to 4pm Monday to 

Saturday. A giant jade stone weighing three tons has been placed at the 

junction of Canton Road and Jordan Road as a landmark. 


Many Chinese people believe that jade can protect you from evil 

spirits and calm your emotions. That’s why they buy tiny jade 

bracelets for their babies. 

9. Temple Street Night Market 

廟街夜市 

This is the famous night market, open daily 4pm to midnight, where you 

can find all kinds of bargains, including casual clothes and curios. You’ll 

also often see fortune tellers, 

Cantonese opera singers and 

professional Chinese chess 

players. The market becomes 

busy after sunset. Two New 

Chinese Pai Laus (archway) 

have been erected at its 

junctions with Jordan Road 

and Kansu Street. 

When the sun goes down, the bargains come 

out at the Temple Street Night Market. 

40 

Yau Ma Tei & Mong Kok 41

Yau Ma Tei 

& 

Mong Kok 

Walking 

Map

Wong Tai Sin & Kowloon City 

黃大仙及九龍城 

Take MTR to Diamond Hill Station. Leave the station by Exit C2 and 

follow the directional signs pointing to the Nan Lian Garden. 

1. Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery 

南蓮園池及志蓮淨苑 

A POPULAR TEMPLE & 

A CITY TRANSFORMED 

WONG TAI SIN & KOWLOON 

CITY 

Wong Tai Sin District gets its name from the famous Sik Sik Yuen 

Wong Tai Sin Temple, the area’s most prominent landmark. Other 

places of interest include the Hau Wong Temple dating back to the 

Qing dynasty and Nan Lian Garden, which is built in the ancient 

Tang dynasty style. 

The neighbouring Kowloon City District used to contain the Kowloon 

Walled City, which was torn down in 1994 and replaced by a 

lovely park of the same name. 

Right nearby are a series of 10 streets packed with upwards of 200 

local eateries, all serving up the delicious tastes of Hong Kong. 

This classical landscaped garden 

is a scenic oasis in Diamond Hill 

spanning some 35,000 square 

metres. Styled to mimic a Tang 

dynasty (AD 618 - 907) garden, 

its Lotus Pond and Blue Pond 

are the main attractions, with 

other water features, hillocks, 

old trees, ornamental rocks and 

ancient timber architectures 

providing a picturesque complement. Strolling along a one-way circular 

route, visitors will see the beautiful landscape unfolding with each step. 

Visitors can top off a walk with a bite to eat at Chi Lin Vegetarian in 

Long Men Lou, for a genuine and delicious meat-free meal. Walkers 

can also appreciate Chinese tea-drinking culture and etiquette at the 

Pine Teahouse, Song Cha Xie, inside this lovely green haven. The 

garden is open daily from 7am to 9pm. Enquiries +852 3658 9312. 


Next to Nan Lian Garden sits the Chi Lin Nunnery. Established 

in 1934 and also renovated to the Tang dynasty style in 1990, 

Chi Lin Nunnery is a large temple complex of elegant wooden 

architecture, treasured Buddhist relics and soul-soothing lotus ponds. 

The complex also includes a series of temple halls, some of which 

contain gilded and wooden statues representing divinities such as the 

Shakyamuni Buddha and bodhisattvas. The temple hall area opens 

daily 9am to 4:30pm. The Lotus Garden opens daily 7am to 7pm. 

Enquiries +852 2354 1888. (Free admission) 

44 Upper: Thousands of worshippers attend Wong Tai Sin Temple. 

Wong Tai Sin & Kowloon City 

45

Other points of interest: 

The five buildings and structures representing 

the ‘Five Geomantic Elements’ of Fung Shui: 

the Bronze Pavilion (Metal), the Archives Hall 

(Wood), the Fountain (Water), the Yue Heung 

Shrine (Fire) and the Earth Wall (Earth). Open 

daily from 7am to 5:30pm. (The Tai Shui 

Yuenchen Hall is open daily 8am to 5pm). 

Enquiries +852 2327 8141. (Free admission 

except the Tai Shui Yuenchen Hall) 

46 

Take MTR to Wong Tai Sin Station, leave the station by Exit B3 and follow 

directional signs pointing to the Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple. 

2. Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple 

(Wong Tai Sin) 嗇色園黃大仙祠 ( 黃大仙 ) 

This is one of the most popular temples in Hong Kong. According to 

legend, Wong Tai Sin is able to ‘make 

every wish come true upon request’. The 

temple is home to three different religions: 

Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. The 

temple containing Wong Tai Sin’s portrait 

is where worshippers pray for good fortune 

through offerings and divine guidance as 

well as through fortune telling. 

Take MTR to Lok Fu Station, leave the station by Exit B and follow the 

directional signs pointing to the Hau Wong Temple. 

3. Hau Wong Temple 

侯王廟 

The Earth Wall 

One of the legends surrounding 

this temple, built in 1730 during 

the Qing dynasty says, it was to 

commemorate a Chinese general 

who had helped the last Song 

Emperor to escape the invading forces to Kowloon. Another legend says it was 

dedicated to a local inhabitant who had cured the last emperor of the Southern 

Song dynasty. The temple is home to a wealth of cultural artifacts including 

groups of reliefs on the walls, Chinese calligraphy and a number of plaques. 

Open daily 8am to 5pm. Enquiries +852 3718 6888 (Head Office); +852 

2336 0375 (Hau Wong Temple). (Free admission) 

Cross the road, walk along Tung Tau Tsuen Road to reach the North 

Gate of Kowloon Walled City Park. 

4. Kowloon Walled City Park 

九龍寨城公園 

The Kowloon Walled City Park sits on the site 

of the Kowloon Walled City, which by a quirk 

of history remained outside British jurisdiction 

after Hong Kong became a colony. 

The South Gate of this Chinese-style park 

remnants with the original stone plaques and 

the pre-war concrete relics fully demonstrate 

the evolution of the City. The yamen, or 

administrative building, which is one of 

the very few surviving structures of its kind in South China, has been 

restored and preserved in-situ. Other significant surviving relics include 

two cannons (made in 1802) which are positioned at either end of the 

Yamen‘s front yard. The Garden of the Chinese Zodiac, the Chess 

Garden, the Mountain View Pavilion, the Kuixing Pavilion and Guibi 

Rock, Eight Floral Walks and the Garden of Four Seasons are six other 

landscape features worth appreciation. Open daily 6:30am to 11pm. 

Enquiries +852 2716 9962. (Free admission) 

Walk through the Kowloon Walled City Park and Carpenter Road 

Park. Cross Carpenter Road to reach Nam Kok Road, i.e. the 

Kowloon City Food District. 

5. Kowloon City Food District 九龍城美食區 

A group of around 10 streets bounded 

by Prince Edward Road West, Junction 

Road and Carpenter Road is where you 

can find around 200 inexpensive and 

often family-run eateries serving local 

favourites, Southeast Asian dishes as 

well as cuisines from around the world. 

Take the Green Minibus 25M on Sa Po Road (beside Regal Oriental 

Hotel) to MTR Kowloon Tong Station and take the MTR train back to 

your hotel or other sightseeing destinations. 


Former Kai Tak Airport 

The hair-raising landings at the former international airport at Kai Tak are 

a thing of the past with its former runway having been redeveloped into a 

state-of-the-art cruise terminal . The cruise terminal roof top garden is open to 

the public and free of charge. 

Wong Tai Sin & Kowloon City 47

Wong Tai Sin 

& 

Kowloon 

City 

Walking Map

Yuen Long 

元朗 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail 

屏山文物徑 

MTR Tin Shui Wai Station Exit E. When 

you arrive at the ground floor, cross Tsui 

Sing Road. You will see Tsui Sing Lau 

Pagoda. 

1. Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda 

聚星樓 

FIRST HERITAGE 

TRAIL IN HONG KONG 

YUEN LONG 

Yuen Long, located in the northwest New Territories, has been 

transformed from a market town into a modern new town filled 

with residential and commercial developments. But the district still 

harbours incredible vestiges of Hong Kong’s past. Many heritage 

sites are still well preserved. The various centuries-old ancestral halls 

provide a rich vein of information about the early clan settlers in the 

New Territories. All of these heritage sites offer a wonderful way to 

literally step back in time and revisit the early days of Asia’s world 

city. 

Hong Kong’s oldest pagoda, it is believed to have been built in about 

1486. The three-storey, green brick building is hexagonal shaped and 

stands 13 metres high. The top floor of the pagoda is home to Fui Shing 

(Champion Star) who is believed to be the deity in charge of success or 

failure in examinations. You will also see auspicious sayings inscribed 

on each floor. Open daily 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm. Closed on 

Tuesdays and some public holidays. (Free admission) 


Ping Shan Heritage Trail 

Originally Ping Shan was used to denote a number of villages 

situated below the Ping Shan Police Station. These included Sheung 

Cheung Wai, Kiu Tau Wai, Fui Sha Wai, Hang Tau Tsuen, Hang 

Mei Tsuen, Hung Uk Tsuen and Tong Fong Tsuen. But now, Ping Shan 

covers a much larger area. 

Follow the ‘Ping Shan Heritage Trail’ sign. Turn left and walk in the 

direction of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Kwok Yat Wai College. 

Follow the sign to Sheung Cheung Wai. 

50 Upper: Yu Kiu Ancestral Hall. 

Yuen Long 

51

2. Shrine of the Earthgod 

社壇 

Just before you enter Sheung 

Cheung Wai you will come across 

a shrine dedicated to the Earthgod, 

She Kung, the deity that villagers 

believe protects their villages and 

homes. The shrines are usually simple brick structures on which pieces of 

stone are placed to symbolise the presence of the god. 

Turn left at the Shrine of the Earth God. 

3. Sheung Cheung Wai 

上璋圍 

This 200-year-old walled village is 

the only such village along the entire 

heritage trail. It consists of rows of 

symmetrical houses enclosed by a 

green brick wall. The gatehouse, 

shrines and some of the old houses 

are still standing. Part of the wall has been demolished but enough 

remains to give a good taste of a traditional Chinese walled village. 

Sheung Cheung Wai is private property and not open to the public. 

Follow the signs and turn right at the first junction and turn left at the 

second junction. Yeung Hau Temple is located on your left. 

4. Yeung Hau Temple 

楊侯古廟 

Located in Hang Tau Tsuen, this temple is 

dedicated to the deity Hau Wong. The exact 

date of construction is unknown but renovations 

were undertaken in 1963 and 1991. The 

temple is divided into three bays housing the 

statues of Hau Wong, Kam Fa (Patron Saint 

of Expectant Mothers) and To Tei (God of the 

Earth). 

52 

Yuen Long 53

Go back to the last junction and turn left. Walk along the road and you 

will see the Tang Ancestral Hall. 

Follow the sign to Kun Ting Study Hall and Ching Shu Hin. Enter the Kun 

Ting Study Hall from the side entrance. 

5. Tang Ancestral Hall 

鄧氏宗祠 

First constructed in 1273, this Tang clan Ancestral Hall is a magnificent 

three-hall structure with two internal courtyards, and is one of the finest 

examples of such a building in Hong Kong. Worth noting is the elevated 

pathway in the front courtyard indicating that one of the Tang clansmen 

held a high-ranking position in the Imperial government. Open daily 

9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm. Closed during the first three days of the 

Lunar New Year. 

Yu Kiu Ancestral Hall is next to the Tang Ancestral Hall. 

6. Yu Kiu Ancestral Hall 

愈喬二公祠 

Situated immediately to the south of the 

Tang Ancestral Hall, it was constructed 

in the early 16 th century by two 11 th 

generation Tang clan brothers. Apart 

from being an ancestral hall it also 

served as a school for kids in the Ping 

Shan villages. The layout and design 

of this building is identical to the Tang 

Ancestral Hall with its three halls and 

two internal courtyards. Open daily 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm. 

Closed during the first three days of the Lunar New Year. 

7. Kun Ting Study Hall 

覲廷書室 

Used both for ancestor worship and as a study hall, this 1870s edifice 

is a stunning piece of craftsmanship. It is a two-hall building with an 

enclosed courtyard, noteworthy for its finely carved granite columns and 

granite block base along the facade. The distinguished design of the 

ancestral hall inside the Study Hall reflects the work of skilled craftsmen 

of that period. 

Ching Shu Hin is next to the Kun Ting Study Hall. 

8. Ching Shu Hin 

清暑軒 

This 1874 building was intended as 

a guesthouse for prominent scholars 

and visitors. It is a memorable 

feast for the eyes, decorated with 

carved panels, murals, patterned 

grilles, carved brackets and plaster 

mouldings – fully demonstrating the 

grandeur and elegance of a rich 

Chinese family’s residence. 

54 

Yuen Long 55

Turn left to Ping Ha Road. Walk along the road and the Hung Shing 

Temple is next to Hang Mei Tsuen Park. 

Hidden Treasures of Yuen Long 

9. Hung Shing Temple 

洪聖宮 

Hung Shing is widely worshipped, particularly by fishermen and people 

whose livelihoods depend upon the sea. The temple, built by the Tang 

clan in 1767, is a simple two-hall building with an open courtyard in 

between – unlike most other temples in Hong Kong, where the open 

courtyards are roofed over to form incense towers. 


Retrace your steps and follow the signs to the Light Rail Hang Mei 

Tsuen Station, take Route 761P and alight at Tai Tong Road Station. 

Here you will discover a wonderful world of hidden treasures in Yuen 

Long. See pages 57-58 for further details. 

56 

Yuen Long 57

2. Wife Cakes 

The delightfully-named wife cakes are buns filled with sweet winter 

melon paste. Legend has it that when the winter-melon puffs made 

by a woman in Guangdong Province were highly praised in public, 

her husband proudly declared that there were his wife’s cakes. The 

name ‘wife cake’ stuck. 

In Hong Kong, back when the New Territories was a day trip away 

from the urban areas, it was de rigueur for visitors to Yuen Long to 

buy wife cakes to take home. Today, a lot of the city’s wife cakes 

are baked in Yuen Long, so this is still considered the place to get 

the freshest batches. 

58 

Yuen Long 59

Ping Shan 

Heritage 

Trail 

C 

M 

Y 

CM 

MY 

CY 

CMY 

K

Fanling 

粉嶺 

MTR Fanling Station. Look for the 

temple‘s distinctive orange double roof. 

1. Fung Ying Seen Koon 

蓬瀛仙館 

Dominating the skyline from its commanding site on a hillside overlooking 

the New Territories town of Fanling, the temple is a superb example of 

Taoist design and craftsmanship. Open daily 8:30am to 5pm. Enquiries 

+852 2669 9186. (Free admission) 

Go back to MTR Fanling Station and follow the sign to ‘Luen Wo 

Hui’. Turn left and go downstairs to the Green Minibus station and 

take Green Minibus 54K to Lung Yeuk Tau and alight at Shung 

Him Tong. 

2. Shung Him Tong 

崇謙堂 

WALLED VILLAGE 

FANLING 

With the rapid development of Fanling, the fields are pretty 

much gone, and the New Town is now filled with residential and 

commercial blocks. Culture and heritage buffs will be delighted with 

the cornucopia of treasures to see, including a stunning Taoist temple 

and a number of walled villages. It’s also fun to walk around in the 

nearby shopping mall and check out the local eateries and shops for 

a real slice of modern-day Hong Kong life. 

Hakka Lutherans founded this village in 

1901 after escaping persecution. Of note 

is the fine Tsung Kyam Church (Tsung Kyam 

is the Hakka pronunciation of Shung Him), 

the only church with services in Hakka. 

Shung Him Tong is private property and not open to the public. 


A Prestigious Marriage 

During the 12 th century, a Tang clan man rescued a young girl fleeing 

the invading Mongols. When she grew up, he arranged for her to 

marry his son. When peace and security was restored, she informed 

her husband that she was in fact related to royalty and was the daughter 

of the Emperor. Luckily, the Emperor was inclined to look favourably on 

the marriage and let it stand, giving her husband a suitable title and 

large estate to provide for his daughter. Most of the Tangs resident in 

the New Territories today are descended from their five sons. 

Upper: Fung Ying Seen Koon is one of the most 

62 important Tooist temple complexes in Hong Kong. 

Fanling 

63

Walk along the route to Ma Wat Wai, which is next to Ma Wat Wai 

children’s playground. 

3. Ma Wat Wai 

麻笏圍 

Walk along the route to Tang Chung Ling Ancestral Hall. 

5. The Tang Chung Ling Ancestral Hall 

松嶺鄧公祠 

At Ma Wat Wai, check out the 

gatehouse with its gun platform over the 

gate, dating back to about 1740. It’s 

made of thick plated wrought iron in two 

leaves with allows air to circulate and provides a good deal of strength 

at the same time. Access to the village is through a single narrow gate 

on the northwest side. The entrance gate of Ma Wat Wai became a 

Declared Monument in 1994. 

Walk along the route to Lo Wai. 

4. Lo Wai 

老圍 

This old walled village is a must-visit in Lung 

Yeuk Tau, featuring thick walls accessible only 

through the single narrow gateway on the 

east side. The walls and the gatehouse have 

been restored recently and are Declared Monuments. The gatehouse 

contains a shrine to the Earthgod and has a gun platform above, but the 

village’s small canon is no longer. Several old houses within the walled 

village are still occupied. To avoid disturbing local residents, the interior 

of Lo Wai is not open to the public. Open daily 9am to 5pm (Lo Wai 

entrance). 


Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail 

The Sung dynasty Princess and her Tang clan husband settled in 

Lung Yeuk Tau in the 13 th century. Today his descendants occupy 11 

villages in the area, five of which are walled. 

This Declared Monument is a superb 

building, originally built in 1570 and 

rebuilt around 1700. It includes an 

Ancestral Hall that is a perfect example 

of the ‘Gentry Ancestral Hall’ or a hall for 

the descendants of some high officials 

(in this case the descendents of the Song Princess and her husband). 

The building is decorated with magnificent artworks and the construction 

style is elegant. There is also an Imperial Tablet dedicated to the Sung 

Princess and her husband, the only such tablet in Hong Kong. Open 

daily 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm. Closed on Tuesdays and some 

public holidays. 

Tin Hau Temple is next to the Tang Chung Ling Ancestral Hall. 

6. Tin Hau Temple 

天后宮 

The local Tin Hau Temple is an excellent piece of workmanship, entirely 

traditional in form and 

decoration. It was last 

restored in 1981. Tin Hau, 

protector of fishermen and 

one of Hong Kong’s most 

popular deities, is in the 

Main Hall while Kam Fa, 

goddess of childbirth, is 

in the side hall. Note the 

magnificent wall orchid 

that has been growing for the past 70 years. 

Take Green Minibus 54K back to MTR Fanling Station and take MTR 

back to town. 

64 

Fanling 65

Fanling 

Walking Map

Hong Kong Tourism Board Visitor Information Services 

Hong Kong International Airport Visitor Centre 

• Buffer Halls A and B, Arrivals Level, Terminal 1 

8am – 9pm daily 

Kowloon Visitor Centre 

• Star Ferry Concourse, Tsim Sha Tsui 


Hong Kong Island Visitor Centre 

• The Peak Piazza (between The Peak Tower and The Peak Galleria) 


Lo Wu Information Centre 

• Arrival Hall, 2/F, Lo Wu Terminal Building 

Information is correct as of February 2014, but is subject to change without 

prior notice. 

Hong Kong Tourism Board disclaims any liability for the quality or fitness for 

the purpose of third-party products or services; or for any errors or omissions. 

© Copyright Hong Kong Tourism Board 2014 

68

Printed for the Hong Kong Tourism Board, English, February 2014 (1523)

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